Maine, the most northeastern state in the US, is known as the Pine Tree State, and it is easy to see why given that about 90% of its land is covered in trees. The state is a nature lover’s paradise.
Maine is one of the safest states in the united states that offers a world-class education in a secure environment. Also, it is cited as one of the states with one of the best online colleges for international students.
The state has a good number of colleges that you can enroll in, either on campus or online. Some of these colleges have a particular focus on subjects relating to healthcare and marine sciences.
The majority of college students are choosing more frequently to pursue education online. Regardless of residency, online programs can offer inexpensive tuition and targeted scholarships.
Additionally, because of the flexible course schedule provided by online universities, you may be able to maintain a full-time job and continue your education. Some schools even offer fast training to get your bachelor’s degree in less time.
This article will list the best online college in Maine for international students, what they offer, and how online education can open up new opportunities.
Table of Contents
- Why Should I Study In Maine?
- Do Online Degrees Cost More in Maine?
- 13 Best Online Colleges in Maine for International Students
- #1. University of Maine
- #2. The University of Maine at Machias
- #3. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- #4. Husson University
- #5. University of Southern Maine
- #6. University of Maine at Presque Isle
- #7. The University of Maine at Fort Kent
- #8. York County Community College
- #9. Franklin University
- #10. The University of Maine at Augusta
- #11. University of New England
- #12. Maine Maritime Academy
- #13. Unity College
- What Are The Benefits Of Studying In Online Colleges In Maine?
- Are There Scholarships For The Best Online Colleges In Maine?
- FAQs On The Best Online Colleges in Maine for International Students
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
Why Should I Study In Maine?
There are a lot of reasons why you should study in Maine. First, the institutions in Maine are unique.
Maine is a safe and coastal area where the land and sea, communities, and natural ecosystems provide the atmosphere for a unique learning and living experience.
Furthermore, the universities in Maine have distinctive, high-quality education centers to engage students in scientific, cultural, economic, and social inquiry.
Maine has some of the finest schools, and some of them consistently rank in the world university rankings.
Also, Maine institutions are known to have high academic standards and low tuition costs. They follow rigorous practices to maintain quality and offer the best education to their students.
The state has affordable housing and a lower cost of living than the neighboring states. In addition, It has some of the lowest crime rates in the nation.
United States News & World Report ranked Maine the 1st overall safest state to live in (also 1st in the list of low violent crime and 4th in low property crime).
You can read this: Study In Canada From USA: Requirements, Online Programs, Schools, Cost, Tips, VISA
Do Online Degrees Cost More in Maine?
If you do not live in Maine, earning your degree online typically costs less than studying on campus.
For instance, at the University of Maine, non-residents seeking their bachelor’s at one of the university’s campuses pay $953 per credit. Non-residents enrolled in online undergraduate courses, by contrast, only pay $366 per credit.
To compare, private institutions in Maine often charge the same tuition for both on-campus and online programs. Husson University, for example, charges a flat rate of $480 per credit for students seeking a master’s in business administration, regardless of whether they study online or in person.
Furthermore, online students can save money by avoiding expenses like room and board, though most institutions charge some distance learning fees.
13 Best Online Colleges in Maine for International Students
Here are the top best online colleges in Maine for international students.
- University of Maine
- The University of Maine at Machias
- Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- Husson University
- University of Southern Maine
- University of Maine at Presque Isle
- The University of Maine at Fort Kent
- York County Community College
- Franklin University
- The University of Maine at Augusta
- University of New England
- Maine Maritime Academy
- Unity College
#1. University of Maine
Admission Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 57%
The University of Maine is a public university in Orono and one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students.
The accredited institution’s undergraduate and graduate programs enroll 4,203 learners remotely.
Degree-seekers pick from five online bachelor’s programs and ten online master’s programs at the institution.
Furthermore, remote programs in top fields like business, STEM, and healthcare help the school meet the needs of students with diverse career goals.
The remote programs use virtual learning environments to engage participants. Remote learners often complete internships, practicums, clinicals, or other local placements to fulfill in-person requirements.
You can click on the link below for more information about the college.
#2. The University of Maine at Machias
- Admission Rate: No information
- Graduate Rate: 30%
The University of Maine in Machias is one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students. In this university, online students receive the same education as on-campus students.
As a distance learner, you can earn a top-ranked degree at the institution. Working professionals choose online learning for various reasons.
The school’s online and on-campus degrees offer benefits such as asynchronous learning and affordability. By transferring credits, students can finish their degrees faster.
#3. Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
- Admission Rate: 87%
- Graduation Rate: 26%
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine is a catholic, liberal arts college in Standish and also one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students. The school has been providing distance education for over 40 years.
Saint Joseph’s provides courses in a variety of subject areas. In Maine, students can pursue online social work, religion, business administration, accounting, and nursing courses.
Furthermore, students follow either a term-based or self-directed plan of study. The New England Commission of Higher Education gives Saint Joseph’s regional accreditation (NECHE).
#4. Husson University
Admission Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Husson University in Bangor is also one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students. Husson grants 12 degrees online in business, technology, healthcare, liberal studies, and psychology.
The curriculum and instructors are the same for online and on-campus students, but the learning environment is more convenient and adaptable.
Furthermore, online college courses in Maine help students balance work, family life, and school. Husson features an accelerated calendar like other online colleges in Maine, with classes starting every seven weeks.
Husson has many technology-related degrees and courses. In the meantime, students can apply to the university’s data analytics certificate program to expand their skill sets.
In addition, the New England Association of Colleges and Schools accredits the school. Husson also continues to have a liberal transfer policy, which aids in lowering overall tuition costs.
Also, check this: 15 Online Colleges in Minnesota for International Students | 2024
#5. University of Southern Maine
Admission Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 60%
The University of Southern Maine is a public, three-campus university: Gorham State College, the Lewiston-Auburn campus, and the University of Maine at Portland.
As one of Maine’s online universities, USM provides students with over 200 online courses, 21 programs, and certificates to choose from. The majority of the teachers in USM programs teach both on-campus and online courses, and the curriculum is identical.
No matter where a student is in their academic or career path, USM aims to accommodate them.
Furthermore, Degree-completion students take credits earned from other accredited institutions, like one of Maine’s community colleges online, and create a cost-effective and efficient path toward a four-year degree.
Online courses at USM use both synchronous and asynchronous delivery methods. USM offers start times in the spring, summer, and fall.
#6. University of Maine at Presque Isle
Admission Rate: 99%
Graduate Rate: 34%
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students. Also, the institution offers courses in the classroom, online, and the field.
Given its rural setting, size, and location, UMPI operates as a commuter campus, which supports the school’s investment in distance-learning options.
Furthermore, UMPI offers three online English, history, and psychology undergraduate programs. Also, the school offers online courses that allow students to create a curriculum to meet their needs.
The online course selection varies by term but is always diverse.
Like other accredited online colleges in Maine, UMPI serves students who require more scheduling flexibility. Specifically, UMPI offers two competency-based programs for working professionals who are ready to complete their degrees.
#7. The University of Maine at Fort Kent
Admission Rate: 100%
Graduate Rate: 45%
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is one of the top online colleges in Maine for international students. The institution awards associate and bachelor’s degrees in various fields, both on campus and online.
However, UMFK is a small university with a higher percentage of international students than any other New England university. Also, they feature 15 programs of study, along with dozens of individual online courses.
Furthermore, the bachelor of arts and sciences degree features three areas of focus, including students’ design themselves. UMFK uses blackboard for all online courses.
The site also has a breakdown of tuition & fees for online learners and links to scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
#8. York County Community College
Admission Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 30.4%
According to Wikipedia, York County Community College is a public community college in Wells, Maine. YCCC is an accredited for-profit 2-year school where most students attend classes part-time.
Its conventional age distribution and online delivery of most programs make it one of Maine’s top best online colleges for out-of-state students.
#9. Franklin University
Admission Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 39%
Franklin University is one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students. It is a private university with its main campus in Columbus.
The school offers on-site courses in Columbus’ Discovery District. However, most students take courses online.
Also, Franklin offers over 50 online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and doctoral programs in Maine.
Franklin University now provides a vast selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. More than 300 international students from more than 72 countries are enrolling there.
Also, Franklin University provides programs internationally through agreements with affiliated universities in addition to its home locations.
These include the Wroclaw School of Banking in Wroclaw, Poland, St. Clement of the Ohrid University of Bitola in Bitola, North Macedonia, and the Modern College of Business & Science in Oman.
#10. The University of Maine at Augusta
Admission Rate: 97.8%
Graduation Rate: 33%
One of the best online colleges in Maine for international students is the University of Maine at Augusta. In terms of size, the institution ranks third in the University of Maine System.
Online degrees are available from UMA in twelve undergraduate, five graduate, and nine associate programs. Additionally, students can customize several degrees through specialized concentrations within a major.
Furthermore, UMA claims it can be any student’s “local” institution because of online, video conferencing, and ITV learning possibilities.
Business administration, CIS, justice studies, and the in-demand information and library science (ILS) major are available online degrees.
In addition, the ability to lead initiatives requiring big data research, analysis, and search makes library science competence that is in demand from businesses in a variety of industries.
#11. University of New England
Admission Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 65%
The University of New England is a private research university in Maine with campuses in Portland, Maine, and Biddeford, as well as a study-abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco.
UNE offers graduate degrees and certificates that you can complete entirely online. The online master’s degrees are available in applied nutrition, public health, social work, health informatics, etc., with concentrations in career and tech education, curriculum and instructional strategies, etc.
In addition, an online doctoral degree is available in education leadership. Online students at the University of New England are eligible for financial aid, primarily in the form of loans.
Also, they have access to student support services such as virtual library access, writing support, and academic advising. UNE is one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students.
Read this: 15 Online Colleges in Washington for International Students | 2024
#12. Maine Maritime Academy
Admission Rate: 52%
Graduation Rate: 75%
Maine Maritime Academy is one of the top online colleges in Maine for international students. This institution is a public college focused on maritime training in Castine, Maine.
The school is one of six non-federal maritime training colleges in the US and the only two that field a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) unit.
Also, the college is an afflict under the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The academy offers interdisciplinary bachelor’s degree programs and associate degrees. The academy offers two graduate-level programs through the Loeb-Sullivan School of International Business and Logistics.
#13. Unity College
Admission Rate: 100%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Unity College is a private college in New Gloucester, Maine, with an additional campus in Unity and facilities in Moose River and Thorndike. The institution offers most of the program online.
Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular at Unity College. It offers undergraduate and graduates education based on sustainability science that emphasizes the study of the environment and natural resources.
Furthermore, Unity College operates both an online-only and a hybrid program with on-campus courses at the New Gloucester and Unity campuses.
Also, the institution is one of the best online colleges in Maine for international students.
What Are The Benefits Of Studying In Online Colleges In Maine?
For various reasons, online education is preferred by individuals who may not be able to attend classes in a traditional brick-and-mortar college. Here are some benefits of studying in online colleges.
- Flexible schedule and environment
- Career Advancement
- Lower cost and debts
- More choice of course topics
- Networking opportunities
- Increased Instructor-Student Time: This increases the chances of a student performing well due to the time their instructors give them. Also, it enhances their problem-solving and communication skills and how to defend their arguments to superiors if needed.
- Documentation: All the information you need will be safely stored in an online database, which includes things like live discussion documents, training materials, and emails.
- Self-discipline and responsibility: studying online requires more self-motivation and time-management skills because you will spend a lot of time alone without someone physically close to keep you focused on deadlines.
Are There Scholarships For The Best Online Colleges In Maine?
Yes, there are scholarships. Below is a list of scholarships and financial aid in some online colleges you can apply to in Maine.
- Bar Harbor Bank and Trust Scholarship
- Guy Gannett Scholarship Fund
- Lemieux-Lovejoy Youth Scholarship
- Jeanne L. Hammond Memorial Scholarship
- Maude MacKenzie Scholarship
- James and Marilyn Rockefeller Scholarship Fund
- Mainely Character Scholarship
- Rice Scholarship Fund
- State of Maine Grant Program
- Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship Fund
- Patriot Education Scholarship Fund
- Tuition Waiver Program for Public Servants
- Educators for Maine
- Maine Medical Education Foundation Loans
FAQs On The Best Online Colleges in Maine for International Students
While many colleges and universities in Maine offer discounts and scholarships to help students with financial needs enroll in their online courses, these institutions typically do not provide free online classes to the public.
Instead, you can participate in a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). These courses, offered by distance learning organizations like edX or Coursera, allow students to learn free from instructors at schools like Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, etc.
When researching online schools in Maine, start by looking at the distance programs public universities in the state offer.
These universities typically charge less in tuition than private institutions. They also enter into reciprocity agreements that ensure you can legally and easily receive an online degree while living in another state.
Also, you can look through the above-listed online colleges in Maine and check the programs they offer.
Yes, there is free college. Maine residents who graduated high school (or earned the equivalent of a high school diploma, like a GED or HiSET) in 2020, 2024, or 2024 can attend Maine community colleges tuition free. The same may be true next year for graduates of the class of 2024.
Online colleges that receive FAFSA in Maine are schools with either regional or national accreditation. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for many forms of financial support by calculating your Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
The FAFSA helps determine whether you can receive low-interest student loans from the federal government and grants and scholarships from your home state.
Conclusion
After going through the guide above, I hope you are able to see the accredited online college in Maine you can enroll as an international student,
Also, you can apply for scholarships and consider the exciting college life possibilities. So, to take advantage of new opportunities in this changing economy, you should consider attending an online college in Maine.
The reason is that the state’s economy shifted away from blue-collar jobs to positions requiring postsecondary education.
Through 2024, the state expects to see a continued decline in employment for manufacturing, transportation, and other fields with limited educational requirements, according to the Maine State Legislature’s Office of Policy and Legal Analysis.
References
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